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Is pulled rotisserie chicken cooked?

Rotisserie chicken that you buy pre-cooked and ready to eat from the grocery store deli is fully cooked and safe to eat right out of the package. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 165°F as safe for poultry, and rotisserie chickens from the store have been cooked to well above this temperature.

What is rotisserie chicken?

Rotisserie chicken refers to whole chickens that are seasoned and roasted on a rotisserie, which is a spit that rotates the chicken continuously while it cooks. The constant movement allows the chicken to cook evenly and absorb flavors throughout.

Grocery stores often have rotisserie chickens hot and ready to go in the deli section. These pre-cooked rotisserie chickens just need to be pulled from the spit, packaged up, and sold to customers.

At what temperature is rotisserie chicken cooked?

According to USDA Food Safety guidelines, poultry needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be considered safe and fully cooked. This temperature kills any potential bacteria like salmonella.

Store-bought rotisserie chickens are cooked to an even higher temperature, usually between 180-200°F. This ensures every piece of the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature for a long enough time to kill any pathogens that may be present.

How are grocery store rotisserie chickens cooked?

Grocery store rotisserie chickens go through the following process:

  1. Whole, raw chickens are seasoned, often with salt, pepper, and other spices for flavor.
  2. The seasoned chickens are skewered onto a rotisserie spit.
  3. The rotisserie spit rotates and cooks the chicken in an oven or rotisserie cooker for 1-2 hours at ~350°F.
  4. Once fully cooked to an internal temperature of 180-200°F, the chickens are removed from the spit.
  5. Employees at the deli carve and package the chickens for sale.

The high and even heat from rotating on a spit allows the chicken to cook through completely. Regular temperature checks also ensure each chicken reaches a safe minimum internal temperature.

Can you eat rotisserie chicken cold?

Yes, it is safe to eat store-bought rotisserie chicken cold straight from the refrigerator. Since the chicken was already fully cooked to a safe temperature, the chicken can be eaten cold without worrying about foodborne illness.

However, the texture and taste will be better if you reheat the cold chicken. You can reheat rotisserie chicken in the oven, microwave, or by slicing it and pan-frying it to warm it up and get the meat juicy again.

How long does rotisserie chicken last in the fridge?

Refrigerated rotisserie chicken will last for 3-4 days in the fridge before going bad. Make sure to refrigerate the chicken within 2 hours of purchasing it.

Here are some signs that rotisserie chicken has gone bad and needs to be thrown out:

  • Slimy texture
  • Foul, rotten smell
  • Mold growth
  • Discoloration or graying of the meat

As long as the chicken maintains its color and firm texture and smells alright, it is likely still safe to eat within 3-4 days. But it’s best to eat refrigerated rotisserie chicken sooner rather than later for optimal freshness and taste.

Can you freeze rotisserie chicken?

Rotisserie chicken can be frozen to extend its shelf life. Here are some tips for freezing rotisserie chicken:

  • Let the chicken cool completely before freezing.
  • Cut or shred the meat off the bones before freezing for easier use later.
  • Portion the chicken into freezer bags or airtight containers.
  • Remove as much air from bags as possible before sealing.
  • Label bags with the date and contents.
  • Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

To thaw, move frozen chicken to the refrigerator 12-24 hours before use. The chicken may lose some texture, but it will be safe to eat after thawing in the refrigerator.

Can you reheat rotisserie chicken?

Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken can be safely reheated. Here are some reheating methods:

Method Instructions
Oven Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken pieces or slices in oven safe dish, cover, and heat 10-15 minutes until 165°F internal temperature.
Microwave Microwave chicken pieces or slices for 60-90 seconds until hot, checking for 165°F internal temperature.
Stovetop Pan fry sliced chicken in a skillet over medium heat until hot and slightly crispy, about 5 minutes per side.

Only reheat as much chicken as you plan to eat. Do not reheat chicken more than once. Throw away any uneaten reheated chicken.

Is rotisserie chicken healthy?

Rotisserie chicken can be a healthy option depending on your diet goals. Here are some pros and cons for the nutritional value of rotisserie chicken:

Pros:

  • High in protein – good for building muscle and satisfying hunger
  • Can be lower in calories than other protein options like red meat
  • Contains vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, zinc, selenium, and phosphorus

Cons:

  • Can be high in saturated fat and sodium, depending on seasonings
  • Often loses nutrients during cooking compared to raw chicken
  • May contain preservatives like sodium phosphate
  • Skin is high in fat – remove skin to cut fat and calories

Overall, rotisserie chicken can be a lean, nutritious protein source as part of a balanced diet. Watch your portion sizes, remove the skin, and balance it with vegetables and whole grains to keep calories and sodium in check.

Is the skin safe to eat on rotisserie chicken?

Yes, the skin on rotisserie chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. However, eating the skin can add a lot of fat and calories:

Chicken Part Calories with Skin Calories without Skin
Breast (half) 230 140
Drumstick 150 110
Thigh 180 130
Wing 70 50

Going skinless can save you 50-90 calories per serving. It’s healthiest to remove the skin before eating if you are concerned about fat or weight gain.

Is rotisserie chicken safe for pregnant women?

Rotisserie chicken that is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F is considered safe for pregnant women. However, pregnant women should take the following extra precautions:

  • Avoid undercooked chicken juices, which may contain bacteria
  • Heat deli meats like chicken salad to steaming 165°F
  • Do not eat chicken that has been sitting at room temperature for over 2 hours
  • Avoid reheating chicken more than once

Handling and eating fully cooked chicken according to food safety guidelines should protect pregnant women from potential foodborne illnesses like salmonella. Leftovers should be refrigerated promptly and reheated until steaming hot before eating again.

Conclusion

In summary, store-bought rotisserie chicken is safe to eat as purchased because it has been fully cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165°F. Refrigerate the chicken within 2 hours of purchasing and eat within 3-4 days. Freeze for longer storage. You can safely reheat rotisserie chicken using the oven, microwave, or stovetop. While the skin is safe, removing it can reduce the fat and calories. Rotisserie chicken can be a nutritious protein option, especially for pregnant women who take necessary food safety precautions.